Apparatus for cleansing conduits



Oct. 25, 1938. s. UROUKOFF v 2,134,493

APPARATUS FOR CLEANSING CONDUITS Filed Aug. 26, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheetl I M M n Patented Oct. 25, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,134,493 AllPARATUS FOR GLEANSING CONDUITS Steve Urmlkoif, Harvey, Ill. Application August 26, 1936, Serial No. 97,870

\ 3 Claims.

This invention relates to apparatus or devices for cleansing conduits, and more particularly pipes and coils such as employed in cooling or dispensing apparatus for beer and other 'bev- 5 erages. a

It is generally recognized that the flavor of beer, as well as several other beverages, is rather delicate and may readily become impaired by the presence of foreign or unsanitary matter or accumulationsin the pipe or coils throughwhich it is dispensed. To obviate this difficulty it has beenfound necessary to cleanse the pipes and coils at frequent periodic intervals;

There has been heretofore devised several difierent types 'of;devices directed toward the solution of. this problem, and in the majority of instances such devices do not effectively dislodge and remove the slime and accumulations in the pipes and coils. In some of the prior art devicesof'the type which employ water and a cleansing compound, the compound is frequently wasted in that the cleaning solution is not fully utilized to accomplish its function of loosening, dissolving and carrying away the 25 slime, dirt, and so forth, in the pipes and coils,

. before it is discharged. 1

One of the objects of this invention is to pro vide an improved and simplified apparatus of the character indicated which is capable of effectively and expeditiously cleansing pipes and coils.

Another object of this invention resides in the provision of improved apparatus of this type which is constructed so that the cleansing fluid may be caused to flow or surge back and forth, under pressure, through the pipes and coils for a predetermined period of time, and wherein the apparatus is provided with. indicating means whereby the color of the solution may be easily observed at any timeduring operation of the apparatus so that the condition of the pipes and coils may be ascertained.

A further object is to provide improved apparatus for the purpose indicated: which is of 45 relatively simple and compact construction and which is economical to manufacture.

A still further object of this invention is to provide improved cleansing apparatus of the i type employing a solution of water and a cleansing co-mpoundwhich is. constructed so as to require the use of aminimum quantityof cleansing compound while permitting maximum utilization of the compoundfor effecting the cleansing operation. 7

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: e 1

Fig. l is a front elevational view, in partial section, of the apparatus embodying thepresent 5 invention, in operation upon a diagrammatically illustrated conventional type of installation for cooling and dispensing beverages.

Fig. .2 is ,a vertical, medial, section through the control apparatus, taken as indicated at lines 2--2 on Fig. 1. i

Fig. 3 is a vertical, medial, section, taken as indicated at lines 3-3 on Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a transverse section through the valve proper, taken as indicated on line 4-4 on Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 4 showing the valve in a different position of adjustment. Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional. view, taken as indicated at line 6-6 on Fig. 2. e r

The apparatus constituting the present invention includes a control device indicated generally at I!) which in Fig. lisillustrated in'connection with a conventional type of beverage cooling chest II which is herein shown as including a pair of coils of tubing 12 and [3 in which the beverage is contained during- -the cooling period.

It is to be understood thatthe'se coils are'preferably' formed of metal possessingnon-corroding characteristics. The cooling chest II is generally provided with a sink l4'havingdischarge or drain conduit l5, and as is well understood there is generally superimposed upon the ledges of the sink a foraminated support (not shown) on-which glasses or other receptacles are sup- 5 ported while being filled with beverage. The openings in the support are provided for the purpose of permitting drainage into this sink of any overflow or.drippings of the beverage. As shown in the drawings the chest is provided with 40 two faucets l6 and I! which are connected respectively to the upper endsof the cooling coils l2 and l3and there isggenerally provided at or adjacent the chest a water faucet l8, which is connected to a suitable source of supply. It is to be understood that the faucet I8 supplies water under pressure, the force of which is employed in effecting the cleansing of the pipes and coils, and in the present apparatus I employ a solution of water and a suitable cleansing compound, which is forcibly moved back and forth through the pipes and'coils for dislodging, dissolving and removing slime and dirt and other accumulations.

It is to be understood that the lower ends of the coils I 2 and i3 are usually connected by suitable conduits to barrels or other receptacles containing the beverage to be dispensed. In some instances the barrels may be located at places quite remote from the cooling chest, such as for example in the basement. When the chest is of the type employing more than one cooling coil, said coils, for purpose of cleansing are preferably connected up in series so that they may be simultaneously cleaned by a single operation of the apparatus constituting this invention. In the illustrated example of the chest shown in Fig. 1 the lower ends of the coils l2 and l3 are connected together by appropriate pieces of conduit and couplings indicated diagrammatically at l9. I

The control device shown in detail in Figs. 2 to 6 inclusive includes a body 2!, preferably of metal, formed with an upwardly open compound receiving chamber 22. Threaded on the upper end of said body for closing the chamber is a removable cap indicated at 23. The lower portion of the body which also communicates with the chamber 22 is formed with a frusto conical valve seat 25 for a rotary tapered valve element 26. The lower end of said body is provided with a bottom plate 21 secured in place by means of screws 28. Said plate is formed with a depending threaded projection 29 on which is mounted a flanged base 30, firmly secured against the under side of the plate 21 by a nut 3! Threaded in said depending portion 29 is an adjustment screw 33 the upper end of which supports a spherical body 34 in contact with a concave s0cket'35 formed in the bottom of a centrally located projection 36 on the lowerend of the valve element 26, as may be seen in Figs. 2 and 3. By virtue of the screw 33 the valve 26 may be adjusted in its seat for a proper rotary fit and seal against the passage of fluid. n a

The'upper end of the valve element is formed with an upwardly open-cavity 33 which constitutes a part of the chamber 22 and is adapted to receive the cleansing compound, preparatory to settingthe apparatus in operation. The wall of the valve surrounding the cavity 38 is formed with a pair of apertures or ports 26a and 26 opening into the cavity and which are adapted to be alternately aligned in registered relation respectively with the ports 4| and 42, which open into conduits 4 3 and 44 respectively, through which conduits the solution passes to and from the pipes and coils that are to be cleaned. The conduits 43 and 44 are formed as projections integral with the side walls of the body 2!, and as seen in Fig. 2 of the drawings said projections and conduits are formed so that the conduits travel first in an upwardly and thence a'down wardly direction. Associated withth e ends of each of said projections is means'herein'aft'er described in detail for visually indicating the character of the solution, which in'turn'in'dicates the condition of cleanliness of the pipes and coils.

Said ports 26a, 26b, 4| and 42 are disposed in substantially the same horizontal planes, and located in said planes intermediate ports 4! and 42 is a port 45 of a conduit 46, for discharging the solution into the sink l4 after completion of the cleansing operation. The outer wall of the valve element is formed with a duct 260 which in alternate positions of adjustment of the valve connects the part 45 of the discharge conduit with either of the ports 4| or 42. ,Rigidly connected with the lower end of valve element 26 is a laterally extending handle 26d which projects through a slot 2| a formed in the lower portion of the Wall of the body 2!. The ends of the slot serve as stops for limiting the movement of the handle 26d in either direction, corresponding to either operative position of adjustment of the valve element. As seen in Fig. l, the port 26a of the valve is aligned with port 4! of conduit 43, while the transverse duct 23c connects port 42 with the port 45 of the discharge conduit. In the position of adjustment shown in Fig. 5, it may be understood that the fluid is flowing in a direction opposite to that shown in Fig. 4. In this position the port 261) is in registration with port 42 while the duct 26c connects port 4! with the port 45 of the discharge conduit.

Mounted, above the discharge conduit 46 is a water supply conduit 48 which opens directly into the upper portion of the chamber 22. It is to be in and adjacent the lower end of each of said re- 1) ceptacles, is a fitting 53 the upper end of which is provided with a screen 54. Now, as the solution passes through the respective conduits 43 and 44 to or from the coils 'or pipes being operated upon the color of the solution may be readily observed in the receptacle 52. To further effect dislodgment' and removal of slime and other accumulation in the pipes and coils I provide one or more small bodies of resilient material indicated at 55, which may be of sponge rubber or the like, and which bodies are driven through the pipes and coils, by the pressure of the water, simultaneously with the movement of the cleansing solution through thepip'es'and coils. After the resilient bodies 55 have been moved through the pipes and coils they return to theopposite receptacle 52 andare retained therein by the screen 54.

'For convenience'in using this apparatusthe conduits 46 and 4B emanating from the body 2| are formed with annular corrugations so as to provide sealing engagement for the ends of flexible conduits such as rubber hose.' As may be seen in the drawings the water supply conduit 48 is connected to a flexible conduit 69, the opposite end of which may be connected to the water faucet l8 and the discharge conduit 46 is connected to a flexible conduit 6! the opposite end of which maybe connected or disposed in a manner-for discharging, and as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings the free end of conduit 6| is disposed in the sink l4 adjacent the discharge pipe l5. The continuation of the conduits 43 and 44 throughthe visible indicating 'devices is in the form of' couplers GZand 63 connected to the couplings '5! and which in turn are connected respectively to the respective ends of flexible conduits or hoses 64 and 65. As shown in'Fig. l the conduit 64 is connected to the faucet Iii while the conduit 65 is connected to the faucet I1.

After the apparatus is connected as above mentioned, with the cooling coil or coils disconnected from ,their barrels and connected together in series, it is first desirable to turn on the water merely by the use of water, either warm, hot or uplthe admixture.

the indicating device.

cold, so -as to remove the residual beer and foam from the system. The next step is to temporarily shutoff the water and disconnect the apparatus,

removecap 23 and place the .proper quantity of cleansing compound in the chamber 22 and replace the cap 23. Then upon turning on the supply of water from faucet It the water enters jtl' rough' conduit 6|], through conduit 48 into chamber 22 in contact with the cleansing compound, and when the valve element is in a position of adjustment shown in Fig. {l the initial quantityof water isadmixed with the cleansing compound and passes through ports 26a and 4! through conduit 43 into the hose 64 through the faucet lfi, and thence through the coils l2 and I3,

returning through the faucet I! by way of the hose 65 to the conduit 44, which in turn is connected by duct 260 of the valve elementto the ,dicharge conduit 46. Such admixture of cleaning compound and the initial quantity. of water is propelled through the conduits,coils, etc., by the pressure of the column of water which follows ble amount of fluid is discharged through conduit '46 theoperator reverses the position of adjustment of the valve to that shown in Fig. and by virtue of which adjustment the solution is caused to travel in reverse direction by the pressure of water entering Tports 2Bb, and 42, and acting on the solution in conduit 44. The solution isthen forcibly moved back through the coils l2 and 13,, through faucet l6 returning by way of the hose 64, through the conduit 43, and when the solucondition of the solution which may be readily observed at any time through the glasses 5.2, of

The glass receptacles' indicate to the operator the time whenthe solution has completely passed through th'elcoils and is returning to the control device, so that asthe solution commences to enter the.temporarily empty-receptacle 52 the operator promptly reverses the position of adjustment of the valve.

To assist the cleansing compound in loosening and removing slime and other accumulations from the inner surface of the pipes and coils, the resilient bodies 55 move with the body of cleansing solution through the pipes and coils back and forth during the successive reversal of movement of the body of cleansing solution by the manipulation of the valve 26. When the condition of the fluid as observed through one of the receptacles 52 is such as to definitely indicate that the pipes and coils are thoroughly cleansed, the valve may be permitted to remain in either of the positions of adjustment shown in Figs. 4 and 5 so that the cleansing solution may be removed from the system and discharged through the conduits 46 and 6! into'the sink I4. After thecleaning fluid has been discharged, it is desirable to adequately flush the system with clear water, and desirably the apparatus should be manipulated so as to cause clear water to surge i matter.

back and forth through the pipes in the same manner as the cleansing solution so as to thoroughly remove from the pipes or coils any of the cleansing solution or loose particles of foreign After this is accomplished the hoses or conduits, 60, 64 and 65 may be disconnected from the respective faucets and the coils l2 and- However before any apprecia- 13 connected at their lower ends to the barrels or other receptacles containingthe beverages.

' Although I have herein shown and described a specific embodiment of my invention,manifestly-it is capable of modification and rearrangement without "departing from the spirit and scope thereof: I do not, therefore, wish to be understood as limiting my invention to the specific construction herein disclosed, except as it may be so limited inthe appended claims.

I claim as myinvention: 1'. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a chambered body adapted to contain a cleaning compound, a removable cover for one end of said chamber, a tapered valve seat formed in said chamber adjacent'its opposite end, and a rotary cup shaped valve plug" therefor, the cavity of said plug constitutingthe bottom of said chamber, a pair of pipe conduits extending from said chambered body adapted to be connected to the opposite end of pipes or coils to be cleaned,

or to'the ends of a plurality of pipes connected in series, the ports of said conduits extending through the valve seat portion of said chamber, a discharge conduit extending from said body having its port extending through the valve seat portion, and a water inlet conduit having its port extending through the upper portion of said body and adapted to admit water under pressure to said chamber and to cleaning compound contained therein, the said valve plug having two ports extending through the walls thereof and adaptedflto alternately register with the port of one pipe conduit or the port of the other pipe conduit and admit water thereto, and a noncham'ber-communicating slot on the exterior of saidvalve" plug adapted to alternately form a communicating passage between the port of one or the other of the pipe conduits and the port of the discharge conduit whereby when one of the communication between theother pipe conduit and the. discharge conduit, and on ,movement of the plug the other port. in the plugcommunicates with the other pipe conduit and the non-chambercommunicating slot establishes communication between the first mentioned pipe conduit and the discharge conduit, the said 'valve plug being adapted to be limitedly rotated in opposed directions to effect the aforesaid alternate registration whereby increments of liquid are continuously introduced through the chamber alternately to the opposite ends of a pipe or coil connected thereto and increments of liquid are continuously discharged from the opposite end of said pipe or coil through the discharge conduit of said chamber.

2. Apparatus of the character described comprising a chambered body adapted to contain a cleaning compound, a removable cover for one end of said chamber, a tapered valve seat formed in said chamber adjacent itslopposite end, and a rotary cup shaped valve plug therefor, the cavity of said plug constituting the bottom of said chamber, said valve plug having an axial aligned concave socket at the exterior large end thereof and a spherical element seated in said socket, a screw threaded in said body and contacting saidspherical element to firmly maintain the valve plug in the valve seat, a pair of pipe conduits extending from said chambered body adapted to be connected to the opposite end of pipes or coils to be cleaned, or to the ends ports in the plug is in registry with one of the r of a plurality of pipes connected in series, the ports of said conduits extending through the valve seat portion of said chamber, a discharge conduit extending from said body having its port extending through the valve seat portion and a water inlet conduit having its port extending through the upper portion of said body and adapted to admit water under pressure to said chamber and to cleaning compound contained therein, the said valve plug having two ports extending through the walls thereof and adapted to alternately register with the port of one pipe conduit or the other port of the other pipe conduit and admit water thereto, and a non-chamber-communicating slot on the exterior of said valve plug adapted to alternately form a communicating passage between the port. of one or the other of the pipe conduits and the port of the discharge conduit whereby when one of the ports in the plug is in registry with one of the ports leading through the seat to a pipe conduit, the non-chamber-communicating slot establishes communication between the other pipe conduit and the discharge conduit, and on movement of the plug the other port in the plug communicates with the other pipe conduit and the nonchamber-communicating slot establishes commu-' nication between the first mentioned pipe conduit and the discharge conduit, the said valve plug being adapted to be limitedly rotated in opposed directions to effect the aforesaid alternate registration whereby increments of liquid are continuously introduced through the chamber alternately to the opposite ends of a pipe or coil connected thereto and increments of liquid are continuously discharged from the opposite end of said pipe or coil through the discharge conduit of said chamber.

3. Apparatus of the character described comprising a chambered body adapted to contain a cleaning compound, a removable cover for one end of said chamber, a tapered valve seat formed in said chamber adjacent its opposite end, and a rotary cup shaped valve plug therefor, the

- cavity of said plug constituting the bottom of said chamber, a pair of pipe conduits extending from said chambered body adapted to be connected to the opposite end of pipes or coils to be cleaned, or to the ends of a plurality of pipes connected in series, the ports of said conduits extending through the valve seat portion of said chamber, visual indicating means connected in saidpipe conduits adjacent said body, a resilient element adapted to be movable back and forth through said pipes or coils by the pressure of liquid supplied through said chamber and means in each indicating means for arresting movement of the resilient body in one direction, a discharge conduit extending from said body having its port extending through the valve seat portion, and a water inlet conduit having its port extending through the upper portion of said body and adapted to admit water under pressure to said chamber and to cleaning compound contained therein, the said valve plug having two ports extending through the walls thereof and adapted to alternately register with the port of one pipe conduit or the port of the other pipe conduit and admit water thereto, and a non-chamber-communicating slot an the exterior of said valve plug adapted'to alternately form a communicating passage between the port of one or the other of the pipe conduits and the port of the discharge conduit whereby when one of the ports in the plug is in registry with one of the ports leading through the seat to a pipe conduit, the nonchamber-communicating slot establishes communication between the other pipe conduit and the discharge conduit, and on movement of the plug the other port in the plug communicates with the other pipe conduit and the non-chambercommunicating slot establishes communication between the first mentioned pipe conduit and the discharge conduit, the said valve plug being adapted to be limitedly rotated in opposed directions to efiect the aforesaid alternate registration whereby increments of liquid are continuously introduced through the chamber alternately to the opposite ends of a pipe or coil connected thereto and increments of liquid are continuouslyldischarged from the opposite end of said pipe or coil through the discharge conduit of said chamber.

STEVE UROUKOFF. 

